Behaviourist Approach (Learning)

What are the assumptions of this approach

It is only interested in studying behaviour that can be observed and measured.

What is classical conditioning

Learning by association

What is operant conditioning

Behaviour being shaped and maintained by consequences.

Study for classical conditioning

Pavlov’s dog. Associating a bell (neutral stimulus) with food (unconditioned stimulus) when presented at the same time. causing a conditioned response

Study for operant conditioning

Skinner’s rat. The rat was given treats when pressing a button (positive reinforcement as it increases likelyhood of behaviour) or it was shocked (negative reinforcement as it reduced likelihood)

Highly controlled research

A strength is that it is based on highly controlled research. Allows cause and effect to be established. Suggests the approach has scientific credibility

Real world application

Principles of conditioning have been applied to real world behaviours and problems.

E.g token economy systems as they reward behaviour with tokens that can be used for privileges.

This increases real world validity

Environmental determinism

One limitation of the approach is that it sees all behaviour as past conditioning. According to skinner our history determined the outcome rather than ourselves. Ignores free will.